Charles Stanley “Stan” Comfort

Stan died suddenly at the Nanaimo General Hosipital on March 6, 2010. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary, his children: Christine Longhurst, David Comfort (Judy), Gordon Comfort and Mary Jean Comfort (René); his grandchildren: Sam de Groot, Elena and Marc Cremonese, Leslie, Cathy and Michael Dickson. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Comfort and Elsie Stevulak, brother in law Milan (Jacquie) Stevulak and his many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his two younger brothers, Arthur and Albert.

Stan was born on September 5, 1921 in Blairmore, Alberta to Ithamer and Edith Comfort, the eldest of three sons. He grew up in the Crowsnest Pass and enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1939, serving as an armourer in Canada, the United Kingdom and Europe including being a part of the liberation of the Netherlands.

He returned to the Crows Nest Pass after the war where he met and married Mary. They remained in the Crowsnest Pass for a few years, then spent time in Creston B.C., Kimberley, B.C. and finally settled in Riondel, B.C. where Stan worked at the Bluebell Mine as a miner and eventually a shift boss. In his early years at the Bluebell Mine, Stan served at the secretary to the United Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers of Canada. As the Bluebell was closing, Stan and Mary moved to Kimberley, B.C. where Stan finished his mining days at the Sullivan Mine. In 1982 , he retired to Errington B.C. where he enjoyed the garden, creating frog habitat, exploring the countryside, travelling (Europe, Phillippines, Australia) and the many visitors that found their way to their door, both human and animal. In 2004, they settled in Parksville.

Stan was an avid outdoorsman throughout his life. He spent many hours in the woods in the Crowsnest Pass, the Kootenays, and Vancouver Island. He was also a prolific woodcarver and his work can be found in homes around the world. His carvings of miners at work were particularly popular for those retiring from the industry. Stan was also a great raconteur, and always enjoyed a good philosophical or political argument or a good laugh. He had a heart as big as the outdoors he loved and welcomed many into his heart and his home.

Stan will be sorely missed by his family, his extended family and his many friends and neighbours. The family will be celebrating his life privately and ask that those who knew him raise a glass in his honour. In lieu of flowers, a contribution to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.

We would like to thank the staff of Claire’s Home Services in Nanaimo for their support and the friendship they offered Stan over the last few years.

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